Substitute - Pre K Assistant (Hourly) - 26-27

About the role

This posting is for candidates interested in being hired as a Paraprofessional substitute specifically for Early Childhood Education within Seattle Public Schools (SPS). Selected candidates will be placed as Para substitutes with a direct connection to the Early Childhood Department, primarily covering Pre-K Instructional Assistant (IA) vacancies as needed. Eligibility will also extend to covering other IA vacancies across the district.

The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in both regular and self-contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings as requested. Duties vary based on program needs, such as supporting students with general, severe/profound, behavioral, hearing, or autism-related needs.

Responsibilities

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the teacher’s direction to ensure all special education students can participate.
• Administer tests, homework, and other materials to assist teachers in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provide first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or ill students.
• Support students with personal care needs due to medical conditions or physical limitations, enabling them to function in the school environment.
• Direct and implement behavioral plans for students with behavioral disorders or other conditions to meet educational needs, ensure safety, and maintain consistency.
• Instruct students individually or in groups in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills, reinforcing instructional objectives and remediation plans aligned with IEP goals.
• Maintain instructional materials and student files/records, including adapting materials, checking papers, tracking attendance, and setting up adapted projects.
• Monitor students in various school environments (e.g., restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeterias, bus loading zones) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Be willing to substitute at schools throughout the district and in all types of classrooms.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following:
  • Completion of an associate degree, OR
  • Completion of two years of college (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours), OR
  • A passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
• One (1) year of related paid or volunteer work experience (certification as a special education teacher may substitute for this requirement).
• Valid State of Washington Driver’s License.
• Ability to pass a criminal justice fingerprint background check.
• Willingness to complete required training, including CPR/First Aid.
• Must work at least 70 hours per school year and complete mandatory paid training to remain on the substitute roster.

Skills

• Knowledge: Basic math (fractions, percents, ratios); ability to read manuals, write documents, and follow multi-step instructions; familiarity with instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development/behavior stages.
• Skills: Ability to perform multiple non-technical tasks, adhere to safety practices, operate standard office equipment (including software), and maintain accurate records.
• Abilities: Gather and collate data; use job-related equipment; adapt to changing priorities; communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; work as part of a team; and handle constant interruptions. Keyboarding skills and basic signing ability may be required.

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting (up to 60–90 pounds or more), carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Fine finger dexterity for tasks such as handling medically fragile children, assisting with toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding, and supporting menstruating students.
• Supporting structured learning and behavior-shaping activities.
• Approximate work posture distribution: 45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing.

Benefits

• Hourly staff accrue sick leave at a rate of 1:40 per Washington Paid Sick Leave law.
• Eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) through the state of Washington (this position is not eligible for health benefits).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and similar positions (01).